Cadoo

It's hard to think of anything this well-established, award-winning game does not offer. Think Tic Tac Toe, Bingo, Charades, Play-doh and Trivial Pursuits, and you'll be part way there. Kids take turns pulling cards which give them quick, goofy tasks to complete. When they have succeeded, they get to put a token on the board (that's the Tic Tac Toe part). This game is zany, hands-on, and gripping. Seven-year-olds can do it, but may require extra adult support; nine, ten, and eleven-year-olds will be able to do it more independently--and hilariously, too. As for academic content: the tasks involve logic, sequencing, word puzzling, art, and "fun facts". (Cranium, 2 or more players, $19.95)